I’m slowly forming a theory that Scientology works through a combination of:

1) The social isolation of members in a organisation which operates under authoritarian rules . In Scientology the phenomena discussed in those psychological studies emerge naturally. I have discussed how a number of them apply to Scientology herehttps://scicrit.wordpress.com/understanding-the-scientology-mindset-series/
2) The tendency of the ‘true believer’ to abandon their critical faculties at the door because, for one reason or another, they have become a burden. For example, many long-term Scientology are recruited at a vulnerable point in their lives. They are prepared to overlook the gross contradictions in Scientology for years, in return for the feeling of belonging and purpose they derive from membership. Of course, the overwhelming majority of recruits leave after a few introductory courses, if that. However, the organisation is held together by the ‘true believers who suppress their doubts for long periods of time.
3) The way in which the history of Scientology led Hubbard to make the decisions which created the organisation’s manipulative power without knowing what he was doing. For example, the early disaster at the Shrine Auditorium (when the public laughed at him at left) insured that he only ever ‘lectured’ to committed Scientologists from that point on – which began the development of the isolated social situation noted above.
4) Hubbard’s personality disorder (which one researcher has identified as Malignant Narcissism) and his obsessive energy led him to develop (by trial and error) doctrines and practices which made his control ever more powerful https://scicrit.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/malignant-narcissim-l-ron-hubbard-and-scientologys-policies-of-narcisstic-rage/

As for hypnotism… if you want to control a persons behaviour long-term (which Hubbard did) it is of limited use in a one-on-one situation, even with a skilled hypnotist. How this is done by an organisation, I don’t know.

Some people argue that auditing induces hypnotic states – so Scientology practices ‘stand in’ for a hypnotist. I prefer an alternative explanation https://scicrit.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/undertanding-the-scientology-mindset-pt-12-scientologys-training-routines-and-the-ganzfeld-effect/

Even if you accept the theory that Scientology exploits hypnotic techniques, there is evidently a lot more going on in the CofS which works to control its members, and ‘hypnotism’ is only a small part of the whole process.

So well expressed! Thanks! There’s more to ask though, ” we fell for the bullshit” ? Why? This is what interests me. Hubbard was widely regarded as a con by those who knew him pre dianetics. What changed ? Why did a farce of a book like dianetics that seems now like a fantasy trip thru hubbards warped personality ( I just found a wonderful analysis of it on this site) sweep the nation, albeit briefly? Why are people still making excusing for scientology’s faulty core? There’s a very well meaning site I read lately, that actually led me here, that describes body thatens as the same as Christian spirit guides even though one is a negative influence and spirt guides are supposedly ” guides” this is on a site of a very well meaning and kindly man. Yet foolish.

Hubbard WAS a hyponotist, and appeared at science fiction fan clubs ( early version of comic con) in Los Angeles, demonstrating his fantastic skills. He obviously knew full well how to manipulate and control. He stole a lot from Crowley’s group even the name OT. Scientologists are like every self selected response group and probably have specific characteristics that could be preyed upon. Maybe with Scientology its is a feeling of being above the common man ? An intense self interest? I don’t know, I agree with you that behavior can plummet in corrupt groups. There are lots of psychological studies that confirm this.

I’m sorry. Does his “About” page say he found a home in the Scientology CULT? Bwhahahahaha…either someone hacked that or there is something subliminal going on there.

Your comments are very interesting, Old Timer!
I think of myself as an old timer, having been involved for only seven years, leaving the movement in 1973. I did work for Ron and Mary Sue personally on the ship – all very enlightening and eye-opening…
I fully agree with your ending comment here on Self-responsibility, which I have endeavored to convey to as many exes as I come in touch with. I was unable to tell Tony and Paulette this in the time I spent with them after their book signing event in San Diego, but I think it’s an important concept to arrive at in dealing with this absurdity of what Scientology has evolved into, even if one has never been part of it.
What I found so amazing in my seven years wasn’t the tech or LRH or MSH, but all the incredible energy of so many gifted people attracted by the ideals.
Looking forward to reading many more of your comments. Aloha!

This is brilliant – thanks!

Cool… I’ll add a new variety of dickey to the others in my flawed memory banks.

Thank you Tony … I read the 2013 article “Scientology Mythbusting with Jon Atack: That L. Ron Hubbard TV Ad!” …. Atack does another great job

Wow, has it been that long?! Looking forward to your report about this weekend!

Just insert the word “dupe” were it fits, all along Hubbard’s (Dupe) Bridge to Total (Dupe) Freedom.

OT (Dupe) Level 1
OT (Dupe) Level 2
OT (Dupe) Level 3 — Wall of (Dupe) Fire (biggest leap for the dupes!!!)
OT (Dupe) Level 4 – OT (imaginary) body thetan Drug (Dupe) Rundown
etc.

Dupe-ology
Dupe-ologists

Summarizes it well.